Delegates
to the fifth meeting of the UN Informal Consultative Process on
Oceans and the Law of the Sea convened a brief final session of the
International Workshop on a global reporting and assessment of the
state of the marine environment, including socioeconomic aspects (GMA
International Workshop) to adopt the Workshop’s conclusions.
Delegates agreed to recommend to the UN General Assembly the
establishment of a task force to initiate the next stage of
preparatory work necessary for the formal GMA.

Above photo: Delegates
from G77/China form a huddle to talk about the GMA with Co-Chair
Philip Burgess (Australia).

Following
the GMA International Workshop, delegates held the final
session of the plenary of the Consultative Process to hear
remaining statements on areas of concern and actions needed,
and adopt the meeting’s suggested recommendations to the UN
General Assembly for consideration at its 59th session under
the agenda item “Oceans and the Law of the sea.”

STATEMENTS:

Darryl Li (Human Rights Watch), stated that lax flag
state control allows vessel owners to engage into illegal
activities that lead to human rights violations

Above
photo: Spanish delegates during the break before the closing
of the meeting.

Above
photo: Alfonso Ascencio (Mexico) in a light
conversation with delegates from Chile

Co-Chair
Philip Burgess (Australia) expressed its mixed feelings
regarding the outcomes of the meeting, noting that the issue
of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is a
very serious issue. He gavelled the meeting to a close at
10:40 pm.